On Trump's orders, ICE, CBP, and federal reinforcements could be deployed to Chicago, with possible National Guard support.

President Donald Trump plans to launch a major crackdown on illegal immigration in Chicago as early as next week, CNN reports, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. This initiative marks a new confrontation between the White House and a Democratic city known for its policies protecting migrants.

Since taking office, Donald Trump has made Chicago a recurring target, denouncing its so-called "sanctuary" rules that limit cooperation between local police and federal agencies. The administration had previously attempted to cut some federal funding to the city, but the courts blocked this move.

Operations modeled on Los Angeles

This time, preparations are expected to be on a different scale: deployment of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), federal reinforcements, and even potential support from the National Guard. According to CNN, armored vehicles are expected to be brought to the city, and the first additional agents could arrive as early as Friday, September 5.

The model chosen is that of Los Angeles, where the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims 5,000 arrests since June. Gregory Bovino, already in charge of operations in California, is to take over the operation in Chicago. "You can expect a ramp-up of the operation in Chicago, absolutely," confirmed Tom Homan, White House border coordinator, while mentioning discussions to use a naval base north of the city as a logistics center.

The sensitive question of the role of the National Guard

A DHS official justified this strategy to CNN: "Across the country, our forces are arresting and deporting the worst criminals, including gang members, murderers, pedophiles and rapists who have terrorized American communities."

In Los Angeles, federal troops were mobilized under Title 10, which legally prevented them from directly participating in police operations. The situation is more complex in Chicago, where deployment under a different legal framework could raise strong objections.

Illinois Governor's Anger

Democratic Governor JB Pritzker strongly denounced the White House's plans, accusing Donald Trump of wanting to "militarize our cities and jeopardize democracy." According to him, neither his office nor Chicago's mayor's office were consulted in advance. He added: "The administration is looking for ways to circumvent our institutions, deploy uncoordinated forces, and lay the groundwork for undermining our elections."